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Toets ‘n Bakkie: Mercedes Benz ML 320 cdi 4 Matic

Just imagine: you eventually bag an excellent contract with a company actually even willing to pay you for the work you do – in Durban! Of course, it isn’t easy to take on a job like this in another province, but you are well-prepared and, after sending the tools and equipment you’ll need from Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal by truck, you transport your staff to Durbs in the safety and luxury of your Mercedes ML 320 cdi – with some space left for odds and ends…

But this is not really a dream at all; this scenario is real – not necessarily travelling in a Merc or a contract in Durban, but travelling for work using SUVs of various makes: they are becoming ever more popular as a mode of transport for workers – our artisans have the right to travel in safety.

The ML was first introduced in our country in 1998, and this was the first time that Mercedes got its foot in the door of this ever-growing market.

With that sorted, I kicked the common-rail direct injection 3 l turbo diesel V6 into life and, apart from a slight rattle at start-up, the engine was completely sound-proofed. I tried to engage reverse gear but without success before remembering that you have to apply brake pressure to engage a gear.

Eventually on my way, I was impressed with the smoothness of the seven-speed automatic gearbox, and I must mention that it is near-impossible not to find a comfortable driving position; the leather seats offer multiple electric adjustment and so does the steering wheel.

Technical specifications: Mercedes Benz 320 ML 2008

Engine

Common-rail V6 turbo diesel

Power

165 kW @ 3800 rpm

Transmission

7-speed automatic

Ground clearance

290 mm

0 – 100 km/h

9,6 sec

Top speed

215 km/h

Consumption

12 l/100 km

Warrantee / Service plan (new)

Three years (mileage not applicable) / six years /100 000 km

Price (used)

R220 000

The Diesel V6 is very responsive from the outset, with minor turbo lag. In my younger days, Mercs were never known as performance vehicles, but more as status symbols, but all that has changed (just watch Formula 1).

I was surprised not only with the acceleration and road holding of this huge vehicle, but the stopping power was just as impressive: 100 km/h to zero in 2,95 seconds.